Diplomatic Correspondent :
The ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon have intensified tensions in the Middle East, leaving many foreign workers, including Bangladeshis, in a state of panic and uncertainty.
This escalating crisis is posing a significant threat to remittance earnings for Bangladesh, a vital component of its economy.
As the situation worsens, a growing number of Bangladeshis residing in Lebanon are seeking safety, with reports of injuries among the community.
According to sources from the Foreign Ministry and the Bangladeshi Embassy in Lebanon, many Bangladeshis are relocating to safer areas within the country, especially in southern Lebanon and Beirut, where the attacks have been most severe.
Rising Violence and Injuries
In the face of intensifying violence, some expatriates are considering returning home, though the decision is difficult for many who initially moved to Lebanon for work. As of the latest reports, three Bangladeshis, including one woman, have been injured in the attacks, with two receiving treatment in a local hospital.
Imran Hossain, a Bangladeshi worker in Lebanon, described the precarious situation, saying, “We are living under the open sky. Last Sunday at 1 a.m., there were three bomb attacks in the capital. We are constantly living in fear and anxiety.”
Threat to Remittance Earnings
The ongoing conflict poses a dire threat to Bangladeshi workers in Lebanon, many of whom have invested substantial sums to migrate to the Middle East in search of employment.
Remittances from these workers play a critical role in supporting Bangladesh’s economy, which is heavily reliant on funds sent home by its expatriate workforce.
With the conflict showing no signs of abating, there are growing concerns about the impact on remittances, especially if more countries in the region become embroiled in the violence.
Bangladeshi workers, who are primarily employed in sectors such as construction and agriculture, are scattered across the Middle East. Any widespread instability could severely disrupt their livelihoods and the flow of remittances.
Government Monitoring the Situation
The Bangladeshi government has recognized the importance of safeguarding its overseas workers, with officials closely monitoring the situation in Lebanon.
On Tuesday, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain assured the media that they are in constant communication with the embassy in Lebanon and are prepared to assist any Bangladeshis wishing to return home.
However, many expatriates are reluctant to leave despite the growing danger. “The reality is that they do not want to return because they have spent a lot of money to come here.
They want to see it through to the end,” Hossain explained. This sentiment reflects the difficult choices faced by expatriates who have invested heavily in the hope of a better future abroad.
Broader Economic Context
The uncertainty surrounding the safety of Bangladeshi workers in Lebanon comes at a time when Bangladesh’s economy is already under strain due to corruption and economic difficulties.
The interim government is actively encouraging migrant workers to remit money through official banking channels to stabilize the economy. Expatriate Adviser Asif Nazrul recently announced plans to provide VIP treatment for migrant workers at Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport to facilitate easier travel.
Despite these efforts, the escalating violence in the region is creating new anxieties for Bangladeshi workers. The labor market in the Middle East is shrinking, and obstacles to employment opportunities are increasing. Additionally, many undocumented Bangladeshi workers are returning home.
In September alone, 150 Bangladeshis returned from Libya and Tunisia, followed by another 154 later that month, signaling a growing concern for the government and families dependent on remittances.
Geopolitical Concerns and Global Ramifications
The broader geopolitical context is also concerning, with the United States and its allies publicly supporting Israel in its conflict against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed, wounded, or displaced by ongoing military operations.
If the conflict in Lebanon spreads further throughout the Middle East, it could destabilize the entire region, affecting not only Bangladesh but many other countries dependent on remittances from their expatriate workers.
Impact on Remittances and Economic Stability
The potential return of Bangladeshi workers from Lebanon poses a dual challenge: it would not only disrupt their lives but also significantly impact the remittance flow that is essential to Bangladesh’s economy.
With remittances serving as a lifeline for many families, any reduction in this flow could have devastating consequences.
Despite the turmoil, remittances to Bangladesh have seen a notable increase in recent months. Following a period of student-led public uprisings, the remittance flow surged.
In September, expatriate Bangladeshis sent home Tk 240 crore (approximately $24 million), marking the third-highest remittance inflow in a single month in the country’s history.
The Bangladesh Bank highlighted this increase, emphasizing the resilience of the remittance sector amidst global challenges.
As the situation continues to evolve, the safety and well-being of Bangladeshi workers in Lebanon remain a top priority for the government.
The decisions made in the coming days will be critical in determining their future and the potential impact on the economy back home.
With uncertainty looming, many workers find themselves caught between the desire to stay for their livelihoods and the need to ensure their safety, navigating these challenging times in the Middle East.